Air Canada to make ‘meaningful reductions’ to summer flights

Air Canada announced it was making “meaningful cuts” to scheduled flights in July/August in response to a series challenges the wider airline industry faces in light of soaring demand. travel.

In a statement Wednesday, Michael Rousseau, the airline’s president and CEO, explained that Air Canada will cut back on the number of flights it will be operating during these key summer months.

Rousseau: “Regrettably things aren’t business as usual in the industry globally, and that is affecting our operations, and our ability to service you with our normal standards for care.” saidIn the statement.

“The COVID‑19 pandemic brought the world air transport system to a halt in early 2020. Now, more than two years later, global travelPeople are returning to flying at a rate that is unprecedented in our industry.

The president saidThese factors are causing “unprecedented, unforeseen strains in all aspects of global aviation system”, leading to flight delays as well as crowded airport spaces.

Each day, there are dozens of round trips that take place in a smaller number of places.

Peter Fitzpatrick, an airline spokesperson, told CBC News that the changes would see Air Canada reduce its schedule by 77 round trips — or 154 flights — on average, each day during the months of July and August.

Before these reductions, the airline operated approximately 1,000 flights per day.

Fitzpatrick: “Three routes will temporarily be suspended between Montreal, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Kelowna, and one from Toronto and Fort McMurray.” said.

Fitzpatrick saidThe changes affect “most” flights that leave its Toronto and Montreal hubs.

He explained that these frequency reductions will primarily affect evening and late-night transborder and domestic flights by smaller aircraft. said.

But he said”International flights are unaffected. There are a few timing adjustments to reduce peak times and even out customer flow.”

“Not an easy choice”

Rousseau, president of the airline saidAir Canada did everything it could to prepare for these problems, but it must adapt to the current situation.

Rousseau said, “This was a difficult decision. It will result flight cancellations that will negatively impact some customers.” said.

“But, making this arrangement in advance allows affected clients to take time to make other arrangements and arrange them in an orderly fashion, rather than having to wait for their customers.” travelWith few options, they were disrupted during or shortly before their journey.